Babe Ruth state baseball tournaments start Thursday

Tanner Collins has the utmost confidence in his Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth 15U All-Stars.

But, Collins, the team's head coach and a former player in the organization 14 years ago, is just as anxious to see how his squad plays in the six-team, double-elimination state tournament that starts Thursday at Godby High.

Tallahassee received a bye into the tourney as the host team, so it does not have any tournament experience to rely on.

Collins' practices also have been disrupted by wet weather and player commitments to travel teams.

And Collins' roster also features a few of the league's youngest players at age 13.

"It has been pretty interesting, to say the least, but we feel like we have a really good squad," said Collins, a former standout player at North Florida Christian.

"We've only had two full practices, but the good thing is they all know each other and they all know how they play."

The 15U All-Stars open their tournament at noon at Godby. Games are also being played at Tallahassee Community College.

The organization's two other All-Star teams (13U and 14U) are serving as state-tourney hosts, too, with games starting today at Messer Park. The 18U All-Star team was eliminated in the state tournament last week.

Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth has a storied tradition, and Collins is hopeful his team can build on it.

Two of his better players are 13-year-olds – Josiah Miller, son of former Florida State basketball player and Babe Ruth World Series alum Ron Miller, and Brandon Walker.

"They are lights out and they work harder than anybody," Collins said.

Collins also likes his pitching depth, which is key in a double-elimination tournament, and team speed. Catcher Dawson Dudley and third baseman Connor Strickland help anchor the offense.